Central African Republic

Bangui is the capital of the Central African Republic, sitting on the Ubangi (Oubangui) River right across from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Founded in 1889 as a French outpost, it became the colonial capital of Oubangui-Chari and remained the national capital after independence in 1960. Its river-port location made it a key trade hub connecting the country’s interior to the Congo River system. Remember it this way: “Bangui on the Ubangi”—the rhyme links the capital to its river. Also, think “CAR goes bang in the center” to recall Bangui as the capital of the Central African Republic. For contrast: N’Djamena is Chad, Kinshasa is DRC, and Yaoundé is Cameroon.